We hear about the importance of sufficient exercise and nurturing our bodies all the time, but what about nurturing our minds?

The world can often seem dull. With each new day seeming just like the last, it can be hard to remain present and truly take in every moment of your day. Therefore, it’s essential to implement hobbies that teach you to live in the present.

If you’re keen to add more colour to your life and learn how to keep yourself grounded, here are three hobbies that will put you in a better state of mind and enrich your day-to-day life.

1. More reading, less scrolling!

*Source: pexels, photo by Yuval Zukerman*

Super obvious, but reading, especially fiction, has been shown to hold surprising power. Reading fiction is a way to tap into someone else's mind and place yourself in a scenario you may never otherwise be in. With this, whilst growing your capacity for empathy and creativity, reading also helps your brain detach from reality, making it one of the most effective ways to relieve stress.

2. Cooking meals from scratch

*Source: pexels, photo by cottonbro studio*

Cooking your meals from scratch can improve both your physical and mental well-being. The ability to control exactly what goes into each meal you consume helps cut out unnecessary sugar, salt, and fat from your diet, improving your mood and cholesterol. Most importantly, the physical act of cooking at home can also be empowering and boost your self-esteem. Taking the time to plan and prepare meals you enjoy can also be a stress reliever and creatively fulfilling.

3. Grow some veg and plants

Gardening has proven to be a natural anti-depressant and an effective way to minimize stress. Along with helping you stay mindful and motivated, gardening also stimulates a sense of grounding. People who regularly partake in gardening often feel a stronger connection to nature and a more profound sense of purpose – and the best part is, you can reap all of these benefits at the cost of a mere windowsill. Hence, an outdoor garden isn’t even a necessity.

Three hobbies to start in 2023 for a healthier mind